Original Sin Bakery & Cafe makes its mark in Santa Cruz

“Seven years ago I really took a long look at my life,” she says. “You know, is this really what I want to do? I would rather make less money but be emotionally satisfied at the end of the day.”

At the Culinary Institute of America in Napa, Tanya confirmed her entrepreneurial vision, and to conserve funds, moved to Cabrillo’s culinary program. A year later, she purchased Original Sin from its retiring owner. Eventually planning to add savory foods, she appreciated the nine-to-five wholesale bakery schedule.

“I needed to reconnect,” she says, “with myself and my husband, and recharge emotionally. It gave me the space to do that.”

Tanya grew the business and began planning her move into retail. Noticing a bakery being dismantled on the corner of 41st Avenue and Portola, she excitedly inquired about the lease and equipment. With impeccable foresight, she had already shared her business plan with Santa Cruz County Bank.

“They gave me good feedback,” Tanya says, “so that when the opportunity did open up I was able to move quickly, knowing that I was going to have the financial backing that I needed.”

On May 19, Original Sin Desserts Bakery and Café became a reality. I first tried the incredible Pacific Rim Wrap ($5.25). A large herbed flour tortilla held chicken breast and vegetables. Curry mayonnaise contrasted well with thin slices of sweet mango.

At a local chamber of commerce mixer, I savored mini chocolate-chipotle cheesecakes. The almost flourless Chocolate Sin cake, decorated with a dark and white chocolate ganache, melted dreamily in my mouth. And I relished the marvelous house-made corned beef.

Tanya credits her sous chefs, who came highly recommended from their Cabrillo College educators. Shannon Landaker in the deli has been with Tanya for two years, and Barbara Zaferes, in the bakery, over a year. The three women each contribute new ideas.

“We’ve decided to set the core menu once a month,” Tanya says, “because it can still be seasonal. That allows me to have some efficiencies in the kitchen. Plus, we can still have the playfulness of doing a daily special.”

In addition to local staples like Glaum’s free-range eggs, Burlingame’s Guittard chocolate, and coffee from neighboring Verve Roasters, Tanya uses as much local and organic food as possible while controlling costs. The meat is hormone- and antibiotic-free.

This being her introduction to retail food sales, Tanya’s biggest challenge was planning the front counter.  She sought job applicants who would take the initiative to propose improvements.

Believing that incentive creates ownership, Tanya will eventually institute profit-sharing, a novel strategy in food service.

“My feeling is when we’re successful, it’s because of what everybody does,” she says. “It’s because the people in the kitchen are making excellent food and they’re doing it in a cost-efficient manner, and the people at the front of the counter are also being productive and efficient.”

Original Sin is on the verge of attaining Green Business Certification. Tanya acknowledges Ecology Action’s rebates for making retrofits affordable. By the time you read this, take-home entrees will be available. Already known for wedding cakes, they will add a catering menu.

Tanya is deeply touched by the support from her husband, as well as friends who came out of the woodwork to assist in the grand opening.

“The fact that I have the chance to make my dream a reality is awesome.”

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Almeda  - going for your dream   |208.176.157.xxx |07-08-2008 16:59 This article relates well to our group talks today...all about risking and going for your dream...albeit about my daughter and her new business, apparently my "grandkid" ... ;: -) Reply | Quote 0   0

Lynn Rode Lamuth   |207.200.116.xxx |07-08-2008 17:46 Congratulations - your mom and all her friends are very proud of you! We love sharing your success! Reply | Quote 0   0

Tanya  - congrats!   |208.176.157.xxx |07-08-2008 18:32 Can't wait to add to your bottom line! Love MOm Reply | Quote 0   0

Carol Keenan  - Outstanding!   |71.109.250.xxx |07-09-2008 20:03 Tanya, I almost had to take a break before reading the entire article. My mouth was watering so profusely. Plus the image of your desert was so believable, I nearly licked my monitor. As soon as I arrive in Santa Cruz I am heading straight for Original Sin. Carol Keenan Reply | Quote 0   0

Marianne Taylor   |66.172.105.xxx |07-10-2008 08:48 Tanya, My mouth is watering! Looking forward to personally sampling these delectable desserts! Congrats on your "new baby" xoxo Marianne Reply | Quote 0   0

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